Allow me to take a moment to ask a somewhat personal question: has anyone ever found themselves rendered motionless with amazement by the inexpressible beauty of a song? (think of the Seinfeld episode where Elaine dates the “Desperado” guy)

No you say? Fair enough. The reason I ask is because there are a handful of songs that have this effect on me. Let me give you a few examples:

• Possibly my all-time favorite – words cannot express my love for the Foo Fighters’ “Everlong”.
• Nick Drake’s “Hazy Jane I” is a reason to get up in the morning.
• Andrew Whiteman’s exuberantly shiny guitar riff around 2:39 on BSS’s “Cause = Time” is so glorious that I almost pass out from happiness.
• The best track of 2008, “Walking On A Dream” by Empire of the Sun, has had me in a half nelson for the last 3 months and is holding strong.
• Camera Obscura’s “Lloyd, I’m Ready To Be Heartbroken” is just pure bliss.

Each of the aforementioned songs have a specific quality that hooks me in, whether it be the string arrangements, a guitar solo, etc. I’d like to share a new song that joins my list for it’s tragically beautiful lyrics (and faded percussionary style):

From the song “Roundabout” by San Diego-based indie rock duo, Years Around The Sun:

Drive on / through the country night /
we’ll ride with the ghosts or fly in the headlights /
Stop off / in the tiny towns /
where a diner’s just a place to put your feet on the ground /
Close your eyes / whisper to me / “don’t fall asleep, you’re my sanity” /
And I’ve got to say that I love you / more now than ever /
The lights fade out to black / The turn came up too fast

Years Around The Sun - Roundabout

Give it a listen yourself and maybe you’ll agree. And remember, Nietzsche said it best: “without music, life would be a mistake”. Talk soon.